Dallas Sierra Club Calendar

Come for a fun day of learning so you'll be ready to explore new special places this fall. This comprehensive class is ideal for learning all about backpacking or for refreshing old knowledge and skills. We'll cover backpacks, boots, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, water treatments, wilderness ethics and even short sessions to discuss men's and women's outdoor "issues".  Instructors are experienced Dallas Sierra Club leaders who can relate "wish someone had told me that before" tips from years of  trail and camp experiences.  We encourage questions and a hands-on look at outdoor gear and food items.  Participants get priority for weekend beginner backpacking trips designed specifically for those in the class. A class booklet and lunch of backpacking food are included.  Bring your refillable water bottle and any snacks you'd like. The class fee is $25 for Sierra Club members, $35 for non-members.  No reservations - just show up. Payment by CASH or CHECK is preferred. The class meets in the Guadalupe Peak Room, 2nd floor of the  Dallas REI store, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas 75244 (north side of LBJ between Welch and Midway). Arrive around 10:15 AM to register and get settled. The class will begin at 10:30 and end about 4:45.  Coordinator: Liz Wheelan Send Email 214-368-2306

There's no Outings Committee meeting tonight.  The Outings Committee will meet next on September 17.   Organizer: Mark Stein Send Email 214-526-3733

This trip has been canceled. The Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest alerted the Dallas Sierra Club on June 24, too late to secure a permit to backpack at reasonable alternative locations, that it will not process a permit for the Club this summer, citing a moratorium on new permits. The Dallas Sierra Club had understood until June 24 that a permit held by the national Sierra Club would allow our use of the area. Devastation by two major fires in the adjacent Divide Ranger District of Rio Grande National Forest further limits opportunities for sufficient quality backpacking experiences to justify the bus trip.   We regret that a Labor Day bus trip will not be offered in 2014. For more information: Mark Stein Send Email

Tonight is an important meeting for the Outings Committee.  We will review the Weminuche trip and discuss destinations and dates for all major trips in 2015.  Bring your ideas, maps and calendars.  Meet upstairs at the Dallas REI store on the north side of LBJ Freeway between Midway and Welch at 6:30 PM.  Outings leaders, prospective leaders, and people interested in outings are welcome. Ask Mark to be placed on the email list for an agenda.  Organizer: Mark Stein Send Email 214-526-3733

Most walks in the woods are pretty easy but journeys of all lengths can turn from amazing to catastrophic if you can't find your way. Please join us to learn the fundamentals of navigating your way in the wilderness in this comprehensive two night class. Among the subjects covered are: looking for and purchasing different type maps, how to read maps, how not to get lost, map use if you do get lost, and different kinds of compasses and how to use your compass. There will be some discussion about GPSs, but our main focus is learning how to use a map and compass so you're not trusting your navigation (and life) to something that takes batteries. If you have a compass, bring it to the class. If you don't have one, we will have an extra you can use and will show you what to look for when you purchase your own. The class will be held at the Dallas REI store (Guadalupe Peak room, 2nd floor), 4515 LBJ Freeway, north side, between Midway and Welch. This two-night class (second night Thur., October 2) will begin at 6:30 PM and finish about 8:45 PM. The class fee is $25 for Sierra Club members and $35 for non-members. Cost covers both nights and handout materials. Bring a water bottle and pen or pencil for taking notes and writing navigation practice exercises.  No reservations - just show up. A half day hike the following weekend with the class instructor will be offered to class participants who want to practice their new skills. Contact: Bill Greer Send Email 972-247-0446

This is the second night of our two part class.  See the class listing above (Tuesday, Sept 30) for details. Contact: Bill Greer Send Email 972-247-0446

Join us for one of the Dallas Sierra Club’s favorite local backpacking trips. We’ll hike about 4½ miles and camp near a waterfall. The round-trip distance is about 9 miles. We will be hiking along a stream and there will be a few small hills to climb. After setting up camp, we’ll do a short day hike as time permits. This trip is relatively easy and is suitable for beginners.  Priority sign-ups will be given to those who have taken the beginner backpacking class.  Please contact the leader to sign up. Trip rated: Easy. Leader: Marcos Jorge Send Email 214-682-6555

Meet upstairs at the REI Dallas store on the north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch at 6:30 PM. The agenda wil include final planning for the Beavers Bend trip and the Big Bend trip.  We will confirm destinations dates and coordinators for major trips of 2015.  Outings leaders, prospective leaders, and people interested in outings are welcome. Ask Mark to be placed on the email list for an agenda.  Organizer: Mark Stein Send Email 214-526-3733

This fall outing has been so much fun it's turned into an annual event. Join us to enjoy the scenic beauty and fall colors of Beavers Bend State Park in southeast Oklahoma. Our group complex offers your choice of rustic cabins or tent camping on the grassy lawn or by the river. Amenities include a dining hall with kitchen, stone fireplace so we can fix s'mores rain or shine and yes, even a bath house with flush toilets and hot showers. Activity options will include group hikes in a variety of lengths, special interest hikes (outdoor photography, birding, local nature with a master naturalist to name a few), plus outdoor related mini-clinics for those interested. You're also welcome to be on your own to enjoy the many options offered by the park including hikes, new nature center, museum, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking (rentals available), even a train ride through the forest for those wanting to see it the easy way! Saturday night offers a catered BBQ dinner (optional) and a special performance by actor Lee Stetson portraying John Muir. Complete trip information will be posted here in early August. Send email to trip coordinator to be notified when reservations open. Gather your family and friends - this outings is great for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stages! Trip rated: Kid Friendly. Coordinator: Liz Wheelan Send Email 214-368-2306

Join me on a three day backpack on the longest loop trail (27 miles) in Arkansas. A combination of parts of the Little Missouri Trail, the Athens-Big Fork Trail and the Viles Branch Trail, the Eagle Rock Loop Trail crosses the Little Missouri River several times and travels over six major ridges. The hike will combine steep hill climbs through mixed hardwood and pine forests with strolls along crystal clear streams.  It is arguably one of the best hikes in the Ouachita Mountains. Points of interest include Little Missouri Falls, Spirit Rock Vista, Eagle Rock Vista and Winding Stairs. Participants should have some backpacking experience. TRIP RATING: STRENUOUS (due to elevation changes along the Athens-Big Fork Trail and the amount of miles covered). Complete trip information will be posted here mid-August. Trip rated: Strenuous. Leader: Justin Taliaferro Send Email 214-534-6606

We'll try to catch the fall colors in this beautiful part of the Ouachita Mountains this weekend.  On Saturday, we will hike about 9 to 10 miles on a loop trail in the Horse Thief Springs area.  The hike will be downhill into the Holson Valley in the morning, and uphill back to the cars in the afternoon.  The day hike includes about 1900 feet of elevation change.  There will also be a short day hike on Sunday morning before heading home.  Because of the length and terrain of the day hike, this trip is rated as moderately strenuous.  Note that the campsite is semi-primitive, and has no water.  Contact the leader to sign up. Trip rated: Moderately Strenuous. Leader: Marcos Jorge Send Email 214-682-6555

Save these dates.  November is an ideal month to explore this unique piece of Texas.   The high Chisos Mountains are a sky island hosting evergreens and Bigtooth Maples.  The Tierra Quemado, 5,000 feet lower, has canyons and washes that conceal precious water sources.  The Rio Grande glides around the south edge of the park , threading the bases of the Mexico's Sierra del Carmen.  If you've never been to this national park, you owe it to yourself to come.  If you've been before, come again.  Our chartered sleeper bus will leave Dallas Thursday evening and return before dawn on Tuesday (Veteran's Day).  Some backpacking experience is required.  Trip details and registration forms will be posted here in the late summer.  Trip rated: Moderate. Bus trip leader: Arthur Kuehne Send Email 214-608-3210

Meet upstairs at the REI Dallas store on the north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch at 6:30 PM.. Tonight we will review the Beavers Bend and Big Bend trips.  This will be the final Outings Committee meeting of 2014.  Outings leaders, prospective leaders, and people interested in outings are welcome. Ask Mark to be placed on the email list for an agenda.  Organizer: Mark Stein Send Email 214-526-3733